Sidekick Of The World's Hope [Open]

    Chai's heart hammered at a rate he never knew possible. The multiverse was his best friend, yes, but at this point it was his worst enemy as well. His world's Bing was here for certain- Chai knew him. He wouldn't pass up that chance for a wish from Porunga. And lo and behold, he was on the roster for the Major League as well... But if push came to shove, Chai knew he'd have to win the Middle League to undo the pain wrought upon his world. He hadn't checked out the standings for his own league yet, out of fear that he'd be facing Defrosch or someone first round. He had the worst luck, really.

    Guardia, in his infinite knowledge, suggested they go to the training facilities to spar and prepare last-minute for their first round. Ever since he was released back when the Star School met, the newfound gargoyle demon seemed... oddly confident. More so than usual. A smile, suppressed for thousands of years by his inanimate confine, now shone proud and loud. "Loosen up, Chai! This is our CHANCE!" Guardia held his arms out to the sides, tail lashing about. He cleched his fists, staring up at the stars above with the biggest, doofiest grin possible. "We can win this, we can get that wish, and we can fix everything back home! We're, like, MEANT for this tournament!" His new, gruffer voice was still candy for a listener's ears. Guardia huffed, still seeing the goat sweating nervously with a meek smile in response. "...C'mon, dude. At least we're not going to fight freakin' BING again first rou--"'

    Guardia paused suddenly, his ears perking up and eyes drifting off to the side. "Uh... You okay, G-Man?" Chai questioned, blinking blatantly in concern. "...I know that scent." Guardia muttered, before taking off forwards on all fours. Chai was left in the dust as the demon bounded across the room, following his new nose. Reluctantly, the zoanthrope followed suit slowly, not sure what could get the great Guardia out of his groove.

    While Chai struggled to catch up to Guardia, the demon came to a stop atop a light fixture in the building, still sniffing and glancing around. His eyes trailed to the ground below, widening when he saw an all-too-familiar face he remember seeing die ages ago... "...COLLLLAAAAAAANNNN!!!!" A battle cry screeched from above, with the gargoyle pouncing down upon his unsuspecting victim. Should he be successful, the ever so emotional Guardia would wrap his arms around his tackled friend who still might or might not recognize him now that he wasn't a sword anymore.

    "OH BEELZEBUB YOU AREN'T GONNA BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED AND I MISSED YOU AND I THOUGHT YOU DIED AND IM NOT A SWORD NOW AND CHAI IS STILL EDGY BUT HES GOOD AND COOL AND I STILL MISSED YOU SO MUCH AND-- AND-- AAaaAAAaaaaAAAAGH!" The demon cried, holding his friend close. Chai, however, was still trying to mosey through the crowd and catch up and see whatever Guardia was freaking out about...

    Chai could feel himself beginning to suffocate in the crowd. What really could have torn Guardia away so quickly, though? He was excitable, sure, but he never strayed away from the goatman for too long... Chai paused, catching his breath in a small parting outside the training area Guardia had run into, steeling himself to barge through the mass of people outside again. He was about to stroll in when he was interrupted by a familiar purple serpent- his student, Jormungandr. "Oh, hey! Nice to see you here also, Jor." Chai greeted with a respectful bow of his head. She mentioned the energy of a stronger Collan up ahead, causing Chai to flick on his own senses. "You think so--?" He began, only for his eyes to widen.

            He knew that energy anywhere.

    The goat raised a hand over his mouth, covering his lips as tears began to fester in the corners of his eyes. Jormungandr's question as to where Guardia was was met by no response from the zoanthrope, though another happy screech from inside the training facility gave away the demon's location. Jala approached, though Chai's teary-eyed tunnel vision paid her no mind. "C--Collan..." He muttered. "T-That's my Collan..! But... But he... died, I thought... He died because of me!"

    Chai paused outside the building. Would he be mad because the goat had abandoned their world? Sad because of his own death, or Chai's presumed demise? What would he think of Chai now? Trembling like the leaf in the wind he was, and still not noticing Jala's open hand in his surge of trauma...

            ...Chai tried to deny it, but Collan was his friend. If his counterpart taught Chai anything, well...
            They were the best of friends, no matter what. Collan would be happy to see him.
            ...So why was he still hesitating?

    Wordlessly, Chai shook his head, dashing into the building and homing in on his friend's energy. He heard him and Guardia shouting and sobbing a little over their reunion, eventually rounding a corner to the arena they were in. Guardia had his mouth open to respond to Collan, though words were once again lost in a demonic croak when he caught eye of Chai, teary-eyed and panting. "..You nerd, he's right here!" Guardia resounded, pulling out of the hug and lunging towards the goat. "CHAI! CHAIII! LOOK WHO I FOUND!" He called, bounding to his friend and standing beside him. Should Jala and Jormungandr follow, the demon would growl lowly, ushering the two to back off for the moment so Collan and Chai could have their moment.

    "C-Collan, I..." Chai fought back tears. "I-- I'm so sorry I left! I'm sorry-- I'm so sorry I left you and everyone else to die-- I..." Chai whined, shaking still. "I was such an idiot, but..." A smile crept across his face, and he'd follow up with a tight hug around his friend. "...I'm so glad that you're alright now-- just... Just-- please, forgive my insolence that day."

    Guardia turned his head, eyeing Jala from head to toe. He cocked his head to the side, speaking while Chai and Collan had their long-awaited reunion. "...So, uh, while those two are, uh, y'know... Can I help you?" He questioned, though his expression sunk to a glare. "If it's to spar or something since we're in this training area and all, then no. Chai and I have had enough violence- this tournament will be the last of it, I hope." Guardia's glare softened after a few moments, turning back to his two friends with a warm smile. "But just look at my dorks, all grown up now..." He flicked a single prideful tear aside, proud of how much they had both grown. It was only a matter of time now before Universe Five was saved.